Nia stared at the venison dish laid out before those eyes for a long while, then boldly speared a piece of meat with a fork and brought it to the mouth. Each time the teeth pierced the thick flesh, juices seeped out, and the more it was chewed, the richer taste enveloped the tongue-tip. The mushrooms retained their characteristic resilient texture while infused with the aroma of garlic, spreading a profound flavor throughout the mouth with every swallow.
"Mmm, this is really delicious! The garlic scent isn't too overpowering, it pairs perfectly with the venison!"
Nia exclaimed in admiration while picking up another piece of venison and popping it into the mouth. Seeing Nia's reaction, Dallen seemed intrigued as well, cautiously picking up a piece of mushroom and tasting it. In his mouth, the soft mushroom slowly mashed, releasing its savory depth. Dallen quietly nodded and paired it with a sip of wine.
"It's definitely deep in flavor. I didn't expect the venison to be this tender. The more you chew, the more the richness comes alive."
Mau had already cleared half the plate, nodding in satisfaction. Though sparing with words, Mau steadily moved the fork, alternating between meat and mushrooms.
Gravel carefully picked up a dish of thinly rolled dough topped with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, peppers, and onions. The still-warm dough offered a subtle springiness at the fingertips, and the softly cooked egg glistened faintly on the surface. Taking a bite, the crisp dough lightly shattered, while the inner juices and seasonings mingled to fill the mouth completely.
"This tastes good. (This... the acidity of the tomatoes complements the meat impeccably. And the egg tempers the acidity so it doesn't overpower, giving an overall smooth feel... Hmm, the slight spiciness of the peppers supports from behind. It's clean yet profound in taste.)"
Gravel chewed for a while, savoring the aftertaste. Nia also took a piece and ate it, nodding in satisfaction. Then, with sparkling eyes, Nia felt the light crispness of the dough and chewed slowly.
"Yeah, it's crispy yet moist! The dough crumbles in the mouth while mixing with the juicy meat, which is really nice. The egg wraps around in the middle, making the flavor smoother!"
Igor, watching Gravel and Nia eat the dish, spoke up.
"That's called Kıymalı. It's a representative dish you can taste in Rathu. Since you two mentioned you've been to Rathu, it must be familiar."
Hearing that, Mau and Dallen lifted their heads simultaneously. Mau slowly opened his mouth.
"Rathu's cuisine... No wonder the taste felt familiar. I think I've seen similar-shaped dishes being pulled from large cauldrons on the streets."
Dallen nodded and added.
"No wonder the spice combination smelled like something I've encountered a lot before."
Iris carefully lifted a piece of Starvas carp fry. The massive carp had been fried whole, its surface gleaming golden, accompanied by crispy-looking freshwater shrimp fried alongside. Iris selected the crispiest-looking part and took a bite.
Immediately, the sound of the fried fish skin shattering rang out as the inner flesh softly spread in the mouth. A moist and intense taste enveloped the tongue-tip, and dipping it in the accompanying sauce deepened the flavor even further.
"This is... the flesh is truly tender. Pairing it with the freshwater shrimp brings out an even richer flavor."
Nia's fork headed toward the golden-brown grilled fish. The surface glistened with oil, and a light press revealed the crispy fried skin crackling as the inner flesh emerged. Nia put a piece in the mouth.
"Haah...!"
Nia's eyes widened. The skin shattered crisply, spreading an oily savoriness, while the inner flesh was unbelievably tender. A texture that seemed to crumble on the tongue-tip, combined with a salty yet profound taste that filled the mouth entirely. It was an intense flavor that sent a shiver down the back.
Mau ate quietly without a word, but judging by the speed at which the plate emptied, Mau seemed the most satisfied. Mau skillfully deboned the carp, selecting only the moist parts of the meat. The table was filled with the aromas of various dishes, and everyone savored the meal, exclaiming over the tastes. For a time, all fell silent, fully immersing in the flavors.
"Eat slowly. Eating that fast might burn the tongue."
Dallen said in a worried voice, pouring water into the glass beside Nia.
However, Nia paid no heed and immediately reached for another dish. This time, it was a large meat dish on a cutting board. Lifting a suitably cut piece brimming with juices and placing it in the mouth, Nia's eyes closed involuntarily.
'This is...!'
The meat's grain was vividly alive, yet with each chew, juices burst forth in the mouth. Perfectly seasoned—neither too salty nor bland—a flawless balance. As the meat melted on the tongue, a deep richness spread. The characteristic chewiness of the ribs provided a pleasant mastication.
"Yeah, yeah! This is truly the best dar!"
Nia exclaimed in awe, quickly picking up a few more pieces. Everyone, including Iris, turned to look at Nia. Gravel let out a light sigh and said.
"Now eat a bit more calmly, Nia. Gobbling like that might cause choking."
But again, Nia ignored it and reached for the next dish. This time, it was a stew. A broth dish packed with chunky potatoes and carrots. Scooping a spoonful and taking it in, the deep, rich meat stock enveloped the tongue-tip. The potatoes melted silkily in the mouth, the carrots released sweetness with each chew, and the profound flavor of the meat infused the broth.
"Haa... So happy..."
Nia cupped both cheeks with hands and let out a contented sigh.
"Seeing Nia this happy makes me want to eat even more deliciously myself."
Gravel, momentarily setting aside the worries in mind, propped a chin on hand and smiled.
Benarr, watching the group nearing the end of their meal, slowly opened his mouth.
"It seems I should explain why I wanted you to stay here."
He paused to gather his breath before continuing.
"Among my old friends, there's one named Turr. He's an elf known as the Prophet of the Stars. In the midst of Di-Neah's arboreal expanse in the north, he resides in the forest lighthouse, serving the god of stars and fate, Rell. I've known him for long ages, from the days when he studied astrology as a means to commune with Rell."
Gravel listened quietly, and the other companions showed interest, leaning in. Benarr tapped the table with fingers as if organizing memories in mind before continuing.
"Turr is not merely a prophet but also adept in astronomy. He tracks the movements of the two moons and the blue moon, also called the hidden moon, gazing at the sky to discern Rell's will in the flow of stars. Back when I was still a traveling merchant, he would divine auspicious times for trade. His predictions were uncannily accurate."
Benarr paused and smiled.
"Once, when I planned to head far east to Kirvia, Turr advised me to wait a few more days. I trusted him and waited, and in the meantime, heavy rains blocked the paths. It wasn't a brief downpour but rains that veiled the blue sky with black clouds for a full moon cycle. If I'd pushed on recklessly, I'd have suffered great losses. Such anecdotes weren't one or two."
Gravel and the companions focused even more on Benarr's words. Benarr continued in a calm voice once again.
"And not long ago, he conveyed a prophecy to me. That Damu would soon face a crisis. The ones to avert that crisis would come from afar, and they would be those seeking a mirror from Damu's eldest."
At those words, the dining table fell silent in an instant. Amid the flickering candles casting shadows, the companions concentrated on Benarr's words. Benarr looked at Gravel with meaningful eyes.
"When you came to borrow the Mirror of Nerodia, I was certain. That the figures in the prophecy were you and your companions. That's why I thought I must keep you in Damu by any means. I admit it was an unreasonable request. But if it's a matter concerning Damu's fate, I didn't want to miss even a single possibility."
Benarr paused and surveyed the dining table. Beneath the wavering candlelight, Gravel and the comrades appeared deep in thought. Gravel slowly set down the glass in hand and spoke.
"That prophecy... Can it be trusted?"
Benarr nodded firmly.
"I've known Turr for a long time, and his prophecies have never been wrong. And since you and I have met for less than a day, I know it's hard to believe. Most Sarun-Ke probably don't even know of the god Rell's existence, so all the more so."
Gravel pondered Benarr's words deeply. A brief silence followed. Warm food still remained on the table, but the story just heard weighed heavily on everyone's minds. The companions each seemed lost in their own thoughts, and the atmosphere grew subdued.
However, after much deliberation, Gravel finally nodded slowly, as if a decision had been made.
"Alright. I'll accept the proposal."
Only then did Benarr relax and show a pleased expression.
"I'll ensure you won't regret that decision. I should send letters to the elves right away. I need to inform Turr of this. He too can offer us valuable advice."
He turned to Dallen and Mau.
"You two, guide them so they can fully enjoy the festival. To make your efforts worthwhile, when you return to Rathu, I'll provide fine Azureflow Jade. Consider it an investment for Damu's future."
Dallen thought for a moment, then smiled brightly and said.
"Since Gravel has interest in Dawi and Muwa cultures as well, how about starting with a tour of Benarr's fish farm? And before the Kannook Salmon arrive, showing them catfish hunting? Or we could visit the forge to watch harpoons being made."
Mau nodded and added.
"Showing them the capture of a Eulachon would be fun too! That'd surely be an impressive sight."
At that, Nia sparkled with eyes and raised a hand.
"I want to eat tons of Damu's cuisine! Mau said Damu has heaps of delicious food!"
At those words, the companions burst into laughter, brightening the mood further, and Dallen and Mau nodded with smiles. Benarr tapped the table lightly in satisfaction.
"Rest well tonight. Tomorrow, you'll see even more, so look forward to the upcoming Damu festival and ease your bodies and minds."
Thus, the day's gathering came to a close.